Gonz's colorful behavior is why he's had such a huge influence in skateboarding (and art as well). His appearance on Epicly Later'd with Hosoi was interesting, but it's a pleasure to hear him talk about skateboarding in this interview on Adidas' website
, with his eccentricity turned down a little bit. In an interview with Patrick O'Dell on Slap
, for example, O'Dell explained filming an interview for Epicly Later'd in which Gonz would not answer questions, but just move his eyes. Then, he asked O'Dell to add subtitles of what he would be saying.
It's a hilarious idea from one of skateboarding's best and a pioneer of style, but when Gonz takes a moment to give tempered and sincere answers to his time in skateboarding, it makes the hairs stand up on your arms. The movement and the weaponry of it, no matter how cheesy it may sound out of context, is what draws out the kid in us when we step on a board. It's cathartic. It's productive.
The interview on the Adidas site reminded me how important that is and made me go on a hunt for all things Gonz. Here are a few:
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Josh Brooks
Josh is a skater and a scientist. He's written for Thrasher, lurks in Long Beach, has a mean tré bomb and isn't afraid to call your favorite pro to get perspective on the latest news.
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Noah Johnson
Noah lives, writes and skateboards everyday in Brooklyn, New York. His favorite things are clean grip, extra crispy bacon and sweatshirt weather.
